"Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them."
Daniel 10:12
For Christians who are seeking the Lord depression sometimes comes as the result of spiritual warfare. In the Old Testament book of Daniel we are told in chapter 10 that Daniel sought understanding from the Lord and that he mourned for three weeks. Daniel's mourning is not described in detail but he at not "choice foods" and had no meat or wine. To me, this sounds a lot like symptoms of depression.
Later in the same chapter Daniel is visited by an angel who tells him he has come in response to his prayer but was delayed because he (the angel) was fighting the spiritual prince of Persia. Then Michael, the chief angel, came to help so that the angel could come to answer Daniel's prayer.
When we are seeking the Lord and fall into depression we must remember that faith is not a feeling. Faith is a gift from God that strengthens us in our inner spirit. We may not feel the Lord's presence but, nevertheless, He is with us. Feelings are deceptive. It is Satan's goal to steal and kill and destroy our faith. But Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).
The Holy Spirit is always at work within us to give us abundant life. Depression may last for weeks but hang on. Help is on the way. Remember Daniel's story and know that even the great prophets of the Bible experienced depression.
Our Lord loves us and is greater than anything we feel. He will never leave nor forsake us. Hallelujah! God is good and loves us when we're depressed and when we're not depressed. Faith tells us He WILL answer our prayers. Never, never, never give up!
And as always...To God be the Glory! Amen.
Daniel 10:12
For Christians who are seeking the Lord depression sometimes comes as the result of spiritual warfare. In the Old Testament book of Daniel we are told in chapter 10 that Daniel sought understanding from the Lord and that he mourned for three weeks. Daniel's mourning is not described in detail but he at not "choice foods" and had no meat or wine. To me, this sounds a lot like symptoms of depression.
Later in the same chapter Daniel is visited by an angel who tells him he has come in response to his prayer but was delayed because he (the angel) was fighting the spiritual prince of Persia. Then Michael, the chief angel, came to help so that the angel could come to answer Daniel's prayer.
When we are seeking the Lord and fall into depression we must remember that faith is not a feeling. Faith is a gift from God that strengthens us in our inner spirit. We may not feel the Lord's presence but, nevertheless, He is with us. Feelings are deceptive. It is Satan's goal to steal and kill and destroy our faith. But Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10).
The Holy Spirit is always at work within us to give us abundant life. Depression may last for weeks but hang on. Help is on the way. Remember Daniel's story and know that even the great prophets of the Bible experienced depression.
Our Lord loves us and is greater than anything we feel. He will never leave nor forsake us. Hallelujah! God is good and loves us when we're depressed and when we're not depressed. Faith tells us He WILL answer our prayers. Never, never, never give up!
And as always...To God be the Glory! Amen.
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